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In 'Worst Bike City In America,' Law Passed To Make Biking Safer Is Rarely Enforced

Topher Hendricks has had many close calls at the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Fountain Ave. on his 10-mile commute.
Topher Hendricks has had many close calls at the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Fountain Ave. on his 10-mile commute.
Susanica Tam/For LAist
Aaron Mendelson |

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Four years ago, California's Three Feet for Safety Act took effect.

In theory, at least, the act requires a driver passing a bicyclist to stay at least three feet away.

The law flew through the statehouse with strong support from bicyclists, cycling advocates, and politicians including former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and now-State Sen. Steven Bradford. Bradford, at the time a member of the state assembly, deemed it "a powerful tool."

But in Southern California, the police haven't found much use for it. Since it passed, LAPD officers have written just 13 citations for violating the three feet law.

In Long Beach, police issued four citations during the law's first 1,475 days.

Read more on LAist.com: In 'Worst Bike City In America,' Law Passed To Make Biking Safer Is Rarely Enforced